Since its inception as an independent country in 1947, India has always been keen about her energy needs. During the colonial establishment, coal was foisted on India and by the time of her independence, coal was the only viable source of energy for Indians. However, a transition period came in 1969 when the first ever nuclear power plant was set up in India, the Tarapur Atomic Power Station of Taps. This marked a new beginning for India’s energy sector. However, over the years the country couldn’t make nuclear power their main energy source as coal still persisted.
Now, a paradigm shift is on the horizon, and it might solve India’s energy discrepancies. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd, an enterprise under the government of India, has invited requests for proposals (RFPs) from the private sector to establish Bharat Small Reactors. However, many people are now wondering why now and not before. Why didn’t the Indian government allow private players to enter the nuclear power sector?
Well, for starters, the national security implications were the main reasons. Governments feared that the companies would develop weapon-grade uranium and use it for unethical purposes. Additionally, nuclear power plants require top-notch infrastructure and an educated workforce. Even a little mishap can result in the lives of thousands, if not millions, as evidenced by the infamous Chornobyl incident. Another big roadblock was to get people onboard. India has already witnessed the Bhopal gas tragedy, which instilled fear in the hearts of people regarding the private sector’s involvement in anything that can cause such damage.
Now, the question that remains is, why now? India is one of the fastest-growing nations in the world, and energy is something that India needs desperately. Another reason is the expertise and innovation private players will bring to the table. The Department of Atomic Energy said that the participation of private players will “enhance the speed and quality of project implementation” and “bring in fresh ideas and technological advancements.” Another benefit is the improvement of nuclear power infrastructure in India. DAE Secretary R. K. Sinha stated that the involvement of private players will help “modernise the nuclear power sector and bring in the latest technologies and innovations.”
